Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It
is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for
adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and
resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.

Participating in the Victorian State Debating Team (VST) is a chance for you to represent Victoria
at the National Championships - and even Australia in the World
Championships! Students who are selected for the team get to participate
at the National Schools Debating Championships.

Participating in the Victorian Schools Team involves an initial squad phase where 12 students train every Sunday for three weeks. After this, a team of seven students trains for roughly ten additional weeks prior to the week-long National Schools Debating Championships to be held in Darwin in May, 2019.. The training schedule is time intensive but for passionate debaters, this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience, advice and coachign from champions.

Registration For VST is due 4pm Wednesday 28th November 2018.

Information about this year's trials are below:

2019 VST Trials

Date:

2 December 2018

Venue:

Caulfield Grammar School,
217 Glen Eira Rd, St Kilda East

Time:

9.30 am - 5pm

What do I bring: Plenty of paper/palm cards and pens to prepare for debates, water and some lunch and snacks.What to wear: Casual clothes - whatever you feel comfortable in! Can I bring family/teachers: Family and teachers are welcome to come along as supporters. There is also plenty of supervision provided by the DAV on the day.What will I have to do: On the day, you will be assigned to a random team and given a speaker position (we take into account your speaker preferences where possible, but you must be prepared to speak in any role!). You will then be asked to participate in two secret topic debates, viewed by our selectors. As the final VST team is comprised of a group of students who may not have met before, we really want to see if you can work in a team with anyone, not just your debating friends! The day can be pretty hectic and runs on a tight schedule, so it helps us if you arrive on time, are patient with DAV staff and selectors, and listen carefully to all instructions.

What are selectors looking for: Our selectors will be paying close attention to your debating technique (of course!), but they will also take into account your overall attitude, your willingness to support your team members and your potential for growth through further training.

A small number of students will be asked to attend the call-back round which will take place on a Sunday in February 2019.

We welcome any interested students high school students to try out for VST.